With training camp under way, here's a breakdown of the NFC North teams:

GREEN BAY PACKERS (15-2)

Last season: Despite a defense that gave up far too many big plays, the Packers flirted with a perfect season, winning their first 13 games before losing at Kansas City. Aaron Rodgers solidified his place among top quarterbacks, winning league MVP honors. Still, the team fell short of expectations in playoffs, getting overpowered by the Giants at home in the divisional round.

Camp needs: The defense must find a way to replace Collins, who was released in the off-season after a season-ending neck injury. CB Charles Woodson may see his role change slightly. A large crop of rookies on defense must show they can make a difference. Saturday is expected to quickly establish chemistry with his new teammates, while Marshall Newhouse needs to show he can live up to the faith coaches have shown in him at left tackle. Donald Driver might have a trophy for dancing exploits, but what will his role be in a deep and talented group of receivers?

Expectations: Hoping to plug significant holes on defense, the Packers chose defensive players with their first six draft picks. If players such as first-round outside linebacker Nick Perry and second-round defensive tackle Jerel Worthy show they can make a difference, Packers will be expected to contend for another Super Bowl (Detroit and Chicago won't make it easy in the rugged NFC North). Newhouse and RB James Starks must show they can be counted on. And if Rodgers gets injured, can backup Graham Harrell fill in as well as Matt Flynn?

DETROIT LIONS (10-7)

Last season: They snapped an 11-year playoff drought, earning a spot in the postseason with a double-digit win season for the first time since 1995. All-Pro receiver Calvin Johnson had one of the best seasons for a player at his position, taking advantage of QB Matthew Stafford, who threw for 5,000-plus yards and stayed healthy for the first time in his three seasons.

Camp needs: The Lions need to develop a running game with a banged-up backfield. Jahvid Best was limited to six games because of concussions, and Mikel LeShoure tore his left Achilles tendon last year in training camp. Secondary play, without Wright starting opposite CB Chris Houston, also will be a key after Green Bay and New Orleans exposed Detroit's secondary during losses in the regular-season finale and wild-card game.

Expectations: They should have a shot at returning to the playoffs in consecutive seasons for the first time since the mid-1990s, if they can stay disciplined and relatively healthy. A handful of players marred the off-season by getting arrested, leading to at least LeShoure getting suspended for the first two games. DT Nick Fairley will likely have to sit out as well to start the season. If emotionally charged coach Jim Schwartz can help players keep their cool on the field, and they stay in trouble off it, Detroit might match the high hopes some have for this former league laughingstock.

CHICAGO BEARS (8-8)

Last season: The Bears seemed poised to return to the playoffs after reaching the NFC title game the previous season. Instead, they missed out for the fourth time in five years. QB Jay Cutler broke his right thumb, and the Bears went into a tailspin, dropping five straight before winning the season finale. It didn't help that they also lost Pro Bowl RB Matt Forte to a season-ending knee injury after Cutler went down.

Camp needs: The biggest issue was resolved when Forte agreed to a four-year, $32 million deal. The team will have to adjust to a new offense after Mike Tice got promoted from line coach to replace Mike Martz. It helps that Cutler and Marshall have a history together from their days in Denver.

Expectations: A lot is expected from this squad. Even so, it remains to be seen: Can they catch Green Bay? Or, for that matter, Detroit? One thing that can't be questioned is the buzz surrounding this team. It's certainly strong after one of the busiest off-seasons in recent memory. Phil Emery replaced fired Jerry Angelo as general manager and addressed some of the team's biggest needs, but there are lingering questions about both lines, not to mention age.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS (3-13)

Last season: The Vikings were burned by lost practice time during the lockout as much as any NFL team and matched their worst record in franchise history. They blew healthy halftime leads in each of their first three games and never recovered in the deep NFC North under first-year coach Leslie Frazier. Jared Allen's 22 sacks were among the scant bright spots. Adrian Peterson's torn ACL in the second-to-last game was a fittingly painful finish.

Expectations: Given the young stars the Packers, Lions and Bears still boast and how ineffective both offense and defense were for the Vikings at different times during last season, a winning record would be a remarkable feat. Frazier needs to preside over significant improvement to keep his job safe.